Armstrong World Down to Strong Sell

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Company Name	Symbol	%Change
STAAR SURGIC	STAA	10.98%
DTS INC	DTSI	6.89%
ANIKA THERAP	ANIK	6.04%
LUMOS NETWOR	LMOS	5.70%
INSTEEL IND	IIIN	5.28%

Company Name

Symbol

%Change

10.98%

6.89%

6.04%

5.70%

5.28%

Zacks Rank	Definition	Annualized Return
#1	Strong Buy	26.6%
#2	Buy	18.71%
#3	Hold	10.12%
#4	Sell	4.32%
#5	Strong Sell	2.16%
S&P	500	9.93%

Analyst Blog

by Zacks Equity Research

March 07, 2013 | Comments : 0 Recommended this article: (0)

AWI MAS HW JHX

On Mar 5, Zacks Investment Research downgraded Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI - Snapshot Report) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Why the Downgrade?

Following the release of its fourth-quarter 2012 results on Feb 19, earnings estimates for this $3.13 billon company witnessed a sharp downward revision. In the last 30 days, The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2013 decreased 14% to $2.44 per share while that for 2014 was down 12% to $3.05 per share.

Though Armstrong World’s fourth-quarter earnings per share of earnings increased 89% to 34 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny, sales declined 2% to $613 million. Unfavorable foreign exchange, lower volume particularly in Europe and unfavorable mix offset the benefits from higher price.

The Building Products segment was the lone segment to witness revenue growth of 1% as higher volumes in the North American commercial business managed to mitigate volume declines in Europe. However, the Resilient Flooring segment’s revenues dipped 3%, driven by lower volumes in Europe and in North America where continued weakness in commercial sectors tied to public spending and lower home center sales dragged down volumes. The Wood Flooring segments revenues declined 3% due to the sale of the Patriot distribution business

For 2013, the company expects sales to be in the $2.7 to $2.8 billion, up 3% to 7% from 2012. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the $390 to $420 million range, down 3% to up 5% compared with 2012. Adjusted EPS is expected to lie in the band of $2.30 to $2.60, down 8% to up 4% compared with 2012. For the first quarter of 2013, sales are expected to be between $600 and $650 million and adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $68 to $83 million.

Armstrong’s volumes are expected to remain affected as global markets continue to struggle, particularly Europe. Furthermore, the outlook for residential repair and remodel activity also remains weak as customers remain cautious regarding their spending.

Other Stocks to Consider

Among the other stocks in the same industry, Headwaters Inc. (HW - Snapshot Report), James Hardie Industries plc (JHX - Snapshot Report) and Masco Corp. (MAS - Analyst Report) hold a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) and are favorable options for investors.

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Armstrong World Down to Strong Sell

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